New School Board for 2012 Sworn In, Outgoing Nickson Recognized for Contributions

The last meeting of the year Monday night for the Enumclaw School Board was festively adorned with Christmas decorations, treats and cake as officials recognized the work of outgoing school board member Tim Nickson before swearing in the new board, including newly elected Tina McGann, for the next term.

It was because of Nickson's persistence in seeking parental involvement that the district can now boast a parent/teacher/student organization in every single school, said Superintendent Mike Nelson.

Nickson also helped to ensure improvements to the school's SWIFT websites as well as the organization of syllabi and the communication of academic events to parents, Nelson said.

"You have such a strong sense of the importance of communication," said Nelson.

Re-elected member Corey Cassell called Nickson, "a system thinker."

Board president Chris VanHoof joked that Nickson came right out of the gate ready to work upon his swearing in. Since then, he's attended numerous events representing the district and additionally, "you've represented Black Diamond very well," he said.

Nickson responded, "this is a great enterprise to be involved in. ... There's so much you can do in this position."

For the new board, he said, "there's great momentum here, and without me, I know it'll still go on."

As Nickson vacated his seat, his successor, Tina McGann, along with re-elected members Cassell, Nancy Merrill and April Schroeder were sworn in for the next term. (View accompanying video of swearing in.)

McGann, unlike her counterparts, waited an extra month for a hand recount and certification of recount results before she could sit on the board Monday. She was in a very close but cordial race with opponent Dan Peterson. (.)

The new board reconvenes Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Enumclaw High School for a regularly scheduled workshop that begins at 6:30 p.m.

In other news:

1) The new board's first action was to reappoint VanHoof as President and Cassell as Vice President. Schroeder was named the new legislative liaison, a position previously held by Nickson.

2) Nelson recognized teachers Julie McGrath and Michael Firnkoess for being the latest two district teachers to become certified staff members under the National Board Certification program. McGrath is a teacher at Byron Kibler Elementary, and Firnkoess is a teacher at Thunder Mountain Middle School. According to the district website, there are now 36 district staff members who are board certified and they make up 14 percent of total district staff. National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to identify, recognize and reward accomplished teachers who meet high and rigorous standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do. All candidates who receive this prestigious certification will receive a $4,000 bonus each year.

3) Nelson reiterated the district's concerns, in light of the completed special session of the state Legislature, of cuts coming next year that may affect levy equalization assistance and the number of school days. He reported that school superintendents in King and Pierce counties have written letters to their respective legislators pleading for consideration in cuts that they be made equal -- as in no district(s) should suffer an unfair burden due to the cuts compared with other districts.

4) The following donations were approved:

• $2,222.32 from Enumclaw Foursquare Church for special education grants at Westwood Elementary
• $1,000 from Korliss Delange to purchase a floor scrubber for Sunrise Elementary
• $500 from state of Washington to Black Diamond Elementary for safety patrol hats
• $840.17 from Lifetouch Studios to Black Diamond Elementary to be used for building enhancements